Description: Usually single stemmed, perennial, succulent.Stem: Large, spherical, up to 15cm in diameter with flattened apex, and with a dark-green to bluish-green epidermis.Ribs: Approx. 18, vertical, well defined, forming large, distinct, pointed tubercles with chin-like protrusion.Areoles: Between tubercles.Radial spines: About 12, up to 1 cm long, needle-like, whitish, radiating flattened against the stem, interlacing.Central spine: One, dark, strong, up to 2 cm long stinging.Flowers: 5 cm (or more) in diameter, shining lemon-yellow, in rare cases also orange or reddish with dark purple-red stigma. Pericarpel and floral tubes short and broad, with dense wool and few bristles. Blooming season: Spring. It will usually flower within 3 to 5 years.Fruit: Globose, elongating at maturity, thin-walled.Seeds: Bell to helmet-shaped, with corky hilum, brown and finely tuberculate.Flowers: Lemon-yellow.

Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Parodia mammulosa group

Parodia mammulosa subs. submammulosa(Lem.) Hofacker: These plants have the fewest number of ribs (about 13), about 6 radial spines spreading out horizontally, and two long and flat central spines, of which one longer and pointing down, and another a bit shorter and pointing up. It occours in Uruguai and argentina.

Cultivation and Propagation: It is easy to grow. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic mineral-based potting mix with a good drainage. It likes a warm bright location, does great in partial shade but doesn't like full, hot blazing sun in the central summer month. Can support quite some water during the growing season but pot plants in winter are wet-sensitive and needs to be rather kept dry (rots easily if soil is wet and cold) tends to lose its roots in winter. Usually it is recommended to over-winter this plant in a bright and warm greenhouse with at least 8-10° C , but it has proved to tolerate temperatures as low as -5° C for short periods. Propagation: Seeds, cuttings or root suckers (if available). Not too difficult to raise from seed.